At this stage in life, and also to endure pandemic restrictions, we’re advised to take up new pastimes: to improve our brain as well as our general well-being. Last year I joined the jigsaw puzzle craze, but to little avail. Five hundred pieces lie scrambled on a portable puzzle board. I also renewed my interest in chess, watching free lessons on youtube (plus “The Queen’s Gambit”), but don’t play often enough against my son and grandsons to reduce my blunders. Is online solitaire a hobby? (Apparently it triggers a soft mental activity that works to relax the brain and dilute stress without shutting it off completely.) Minutes before purchasing an adult colouring book, I realized it would remain black and white in my hands so bought Where the Crawdads Sing to read instead.
Photography, however, has hooked me. Although I initially engaged in this art form using a mirrorless digital camera with a few specialty lenses, these days I opt for the convenience of my smartphone. Cell phones with built-in cameras became publicly available in Canada and the U.S. in 2002; since then the ubiquitous device, which can take high quality images, turns almost everyone into a photographer. Sales of digital cameras have plummeted.
Snapping photos is fun and creative. This pastime also boosts our mental and physical health.
PERKS
- Exercise: Since nature and our surroundings offer myriad subjects, photography motivates us to go outside. And there are a dozen pluses to going on walks of at least 30 minutes every day, as an article in Prevention magazine reminds us. We can also practice knee bends by shooting our images from different angles.
- Mindfulness: Photography helps us to be “in the moment” as we focus our minds — and lens — on framing objects and scenes.
- Brain health: Challenging ourselves to find distinctive perspectives of familiar scenes stimulates our brain. Remember: “use it or lose it.”
- Beauty: Photography inspires us to seek and capture the beauty that exists in everything, from the banal to the awesome.
- Communication: We can convey messages with our photos without uttering or writing any words. And easily record special moments for future review.
- Community: What to do with the proliferation of photos? Join Instagram and share them with old and new “friends” in this online community, as well as build a gallery of our own choice images. Admiring the artistry of various IG feeds enriches my days.
In taking up photography, we mustn’t evaluate our level of creativity. The act of doing matters most. •
P.S. Please add your satisfying pandemic pastimes in the comments below.

Tracy Ware says
Thanks for your comments, as always, Pam. We have found crib (or cribbage) ideal for filling all the empty time. It requires just enough concentration to keep you on your toes, but not so much that you can’t have a couple of drinks. Here is what I have learned about the game: those old boards that could be portable for camping are no good for aging eyes. If you enjoy the game, treat yourself to a larger board and a new pack of cards.
Pam McPhail says
Oh Tracy, your comments may have convinced Glen to take up cribbage, a game I long to renew. Thank you. And, if so, I will follow your tip and replace our travel board with the real thing!
Ian M Wallace says
I too enjoy taking a few pictures although I lack Pam’s talent. A second hobby to take up would be to learn how to save and arrange all the photos in a coherent manner. I am still working on this.
Pam McPhail says
You’ve mistakenly described my penchant as a talent, Ian, but thanks for the gracious remark. Good luck in implementing your second hobby. Perhaps a third will be to publish photo books of your preferred collections?
Tanya Loretto says
I love contemplative photography. It’s a slowing down and receiving of images. A spiritual practice.
Thanks for your wisdom about this wonderful pastime.
Pam McPhail says
Thanks, Tanya, for calling photography a spiritual practice, adding another positive angle to the pastime.
Tim McPhail says
I enjoyed your post Pam. Allow me to suggest a seventh perk of frequent family photography :
7. Parents and grandparents have pictures of the early years of their offspring, often engaged in fun activities. I find the candid shots are the best, no forced smiles, just real life joy. And showing them pictures of ourselves in our prime opens a whole new level of understanding as to how the family has evolved over the years.
Pam McPhail says
I prefer telling stories to reviewing photos as a way to acquaint the following generations with ours. But you’re not alone, Tim, in thinking a picture is worth a thousand words.🙌🏻
Roy McPhail says
Google photos routinely offers me photos from years ago that trigger fond memories. I routinely share those photos to the person or people who made those memories fond. What a world!
Pam McPhail says
Guess Google hasn’t offered you any photos with me in them, Roy. But through words I can share many fond memories involving us.😘
Deborah Etsten says
Looks like this new hobby suits you well. Terrific image! Make sure to show us more. I, also, take photos every day and am always looking for new ways to frame the familiar. It’s fun, while always being challenging. My other daily pursuit, begun during Covid, and now in my 260th continuous day, is online French, with the friendly Duolingo. Duo even offers Klingon, if you’re inclined!
Pam McPhail says
You no doubt know, Deborah, that learning a second (or third or fourth) language tops the list of ways to improve brain health. I commend you for 260 days and counting of strenuous mental exercise. Feel free to share any of your images. I love seeing the photos of other hobbyists, on Instagram for example.